Ep. 2673 The joy of pairing wine with foods from everywhere with Cha McCoy | Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026

Welcome to episode 2673 of the Italian Wine Podcast recorded live at Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026. As an official media partner, Italian Wine Podcast brings you firsthand insights from Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026, Piedmont's premier wine event that took place on January 26-27, in Turin. Join top producers, buyers, and experts to explore emerging styles, winemaking innovations, and market trends shaping the region's future. From Barolo and Barbaresco to hidden gems, this series offers in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, revealing Piedmont's impact on the global wine scene. Today’s guest: Cha McCoy, Certified Sommelier, educator, entrepreneur, and NAACP-nominated author. More about the guest: Cha McCoy is the founder of Cha Squared, a beverage experience company focused on events, tourism, and education. She is known for making wine more accessible and challenging “palate discrimination” through initiatives like her global wine dinner series The Communion and her retail space, The Communion Wine & Spirits. Her book Wine Pairing for the People (HarperCollins, 2025) further explores the connection between wine, food, and culture. Cha has held key roles such as Beverage Director of the Charleston Wine + Food Festival and Beverage Director and Editor at Cherry Bombe. Recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Tastemaker by Wine Enthusiast, she now works between Portugal and Italy, collaborating to make the hospitality industry more inclusive and accessible. Connect: https://www.chamccoy.com/  About the Grandi Langhe:  Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino is one of Italy’s most prestigious wine events, dedicated to showcasing the excellence of Piedmont. Organized with the support of the region’s leading wine consortia, it brings together hundreds of producers representing top denominations such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero, Gavi, Asti, and Alta Langa. The event is designed as a key meeting point for international trade, offering tastings, professional networking, and a powerful snapshot of Piedmont’s role in the global wine market. Discover more: https://www.grandilanghe.com/   _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp    If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/  Until next time, Cin Cin!